Photography in over tourism locations can be challenging yet rewarding, as it requires balancing creativity with responsibility. In my last workshop to photograph in Val D’orcia, the famous Tuscany location, I choose at sunset to capture was a full of photographer and influencer. The scene was completely change by people who stand to make their selfies and entering in the frames of other camera and smartphone. Finally, I decided to avoid for my next workshop this location at sunset, because not make sense anymore coming to shooting here. After that, I have some thought about this situation and, generally, about over tourism and over crowded spot in photography and how often straining the local environment and infrastructure. In response of that, I put below are some tips for photographing these areas responsibly:
Photography over tourism: Timing and Perspective
- Visit Off-Peak Hours: Capture photos early in the morning or late in the evening when there are fewer people around. Also in the night can be really interesting photograph
- Use Different Angles: Avoid typical tourist viewpoints and experiment with less obvious perspectives. Look for unique compositions that highlight the essence of the location without the crowds.
Focus on Local Culture and Nature
- Highlight Local Elements: Focus on lesser-known cultural aspects or local details—markets, artisans, or traditional food.
- Show Environmental Impact: Capture the effects of over tourism, such as crowded areas or environmental degradation, to tell a story and raise awareness.
Ethical Considerations in Photography over tourism
- Respect the Environment: Stay on designated paths and avoid disrupting fragile areas to get a perfect shot.
- Avoid Geotagging Sensitive Spots: Sharing exact locations can lead to further overcrowding, so consider not geotagging photos, especially if it’s a vulnerable area.
Use Techniques to Isolate the Scene
- Long Exposure: Use long exposure to blur people in the background, giving a sense of tranquility to crowded places.
- Frame with Natural Elements: Use natural elements like trees, arches, or doorways to frame your subject, creating focus and minimizing the crowd in the background.
This way, you can create meaningful images that reflect the beauty and complexity of these places like Venice, Florence, Rome
